Embedded Application Testing via Dual-Bus Real-Time Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard computers are too slow to perform real-time tests on electronic systems with real-time communication buses like I2C, SPI, or UART, making it difficult to test applications embedded in these systems effectively.
Innovation Solution
A testing device with dual communication interfaces, one for interacting with the electronic system via a real-time bus and another for connecting to a standard computer, allowing autonomous data exchange and analysis without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a standard computer is used to execute test scenarios, then the testing solution is simple and generic, but the computer is too slow to keep up with real-time communication buses like I2C, SPI, or UART
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer memory as an intermediary component between the standard computer and the real-time communication bus. The buffer memory temporarily stores data exchanged between the bus and the computer, allowing the slow computer to process data at its own pace while the fast bus continues operating at high speed. This mediator resolves the speed mismatch without requiring a high-speed computer.
2Reliability
If real-time communication buses are used in electronic systems, then the system can operate in real-time mode, but standard computers cannot perform real-time testing due to speed limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the testing system into two distinct parts: a high-speed real-time interface connected to the communication bus for capturing data in real-time, and a standard computer for analysis and control. This segmentation allows each component to operate at its optimal speed, maintaining real-time testing capability while using accessible standard computer hardware.
3Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used for testing, then the testing process is simple to implement, but it requires continuous human involvement and cannot autonomously carry out a large number of tests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service testing system where the standard computer autonomously executes test scenarios, sends commands to the electronic system under test, and analyzes received data without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically manages the entire testing workflow, enabling unattended execution of large numbers of tests while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A testing device comprises at least one first communication interface for receiving data from an electronic system to be tested and transmitting data to the electronic system, at least one second communication interface, distinct from the first communication interface, for transmitting data to a test computer of the electronic system, the testing device being configured to receive at least one item of data from the electronic system and/or transmit at least one item of data to the electronic system, via a first communication bus connected to the first interface, autonomously, and being configured to transmit, via a second communication bus connected to the second interface, at least one item of data representative of at least one item of data received and/or of at least one item of data transmitted via the first communication bus.